John Peter Smith Hospital, the Fort Worth hospital that interpreted Texas law to require them to keep a pregnant woman on life support long after she was medically considered dead, and against her family’s wishes, might now be trying to bill the family for several months of unconsented and unwanted treatment.
For what it’s worth, sign this petition if you don’t think that’s right (h/t Jennifer).
You might also tell Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and your state legislators how you feel.
The law in question is a 1999 addition to the Texas Health & Safety Code, § 166.049:
PREGNANT PATIENTS. A person may not withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment under this subchapter from a pregnant patient.
The key there is “life-sustaining.” Part of the dispute was whether the hospital should keep a patient who, it was generally agreed, was brain dead on life support.
Not at all surprisingly, Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, doesn’t get it.
Why hasn't Erick Munoz been asked "why wouldn't you keep your wife on life-support UNTIL your child is born?"
— Bill Zedler (@Bill_Zedler) January 30, 2014
I’d say shame on you, Rep. Zedler, but we both know it wouldn’t do any good, don’t we?
